Other Names: absinthe.
While wormwood hath seed, get a bundle or twain
to save against March, to make flea refrain:
Where chamber is sweept, and wormwood is strewn,
no flea, for his life, dare abide to be known.
~Five Hundred Pointes of Good Husbundrie, Thomas Tusser, 1573~
Other Names: absinthe.
Description
A pretty, shrubby perennial which can grow to 4ft in height. It is common in Europe, especially Britain. The woody rootstock gives rise to branching, aromatic, ridged, grey-green, velvety stems. The 2- or 3-pinnate, alternately placed leaves are finely cut, with a downy covering, scent and colour like that of the stem. The small, round, rayless, yellow/ yellow-green/ yellow-brown flowers are borne on axillary spikes 6-18" (15-45cm) long in midsummer to mid-autumn. Its tiny, tear-shaped seeds are encased in a flattish grey fruit,
Cultivation
| Site: | Full sun. Dry, well-drained soil. |
| Propagation: | By seed, division, or cutings in spring. |
| General Care: | Generally easy to maintauin, though it usually needs cutting back in spring. |
| Harvest: | As and when available. Main harvest midsummer. |
Relationships: Grow away from any other plant to be used medicinally or in food. Its toxins have an adverse affect on them, especially fennel, sage and caraway.
Warning: Wormwood can be very dangerous. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. The pure oil is poisonous, not to mention highly illegal in some areas (do check), so avoid high doses or prolonged use. It can damage the heart and is hallucinogenic.